Walking Boosts Cognitive Health in Adults With Down Syndrome
Author: Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)
Published: 29 Nov 2023 - Updated: 3 Nov 2026
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed | Research Study Analysis
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content
Synopsis
This research, published on November 29, 2023 in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, reports the Mindsets study led by Dr. Dan Gordon and Viviane Merzbach of Anglia Ruskin University with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Eighty-three adults with Down syndrome aged 18 to 48 from 10 countries were placed in one of four groups for eight weeks: walking, online brain training, both, or neither. The walking groups improved their six-minute walk distance by about 10 to 11 percent and made fewer errors on an attention test, while all three active groups improved on a decision-making task. The findings matter because many adults with Down syndrome get little physical activity, and a free, simple activity like walking may support attention, independence and quality of life as they age.*
At a Glance
- 1 - About one in every thousand babies is born with Down syndrome.
- 2 - Participants wore a Fitbit to track steps, distance, speed and heart rate.
- 3 - The exercise-only group improved its six-minute walk distance by 11.4 percent.
- 4 - The researchers note this is the first generation of people with Down syndrome expected to generally outlive their parents.
Topic Definition
- Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21, which affects physical development and learning and usually results in some degree of intellectual disability, along with typical facial features, low muscle tone and a higher risk of certain health conditions such as heart defects, thyroid problems and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. People with Down syndrome have a wide range of abilities and today often live long, active lives with the right health care and support.
Overview
"Impact of Prescribed Exercise on the Physical and Cognitive Health of Adults with Down Syndrome: The Mindsets Study" - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
An exploratory study has shown that light, regular exercise can improve the cognitive, as well as physical, health of adults with Down syndrome.
The Mindsets study, published on November 29, 2023, in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, is the first to investigate the effects of physical and cognitive exercise on people with Down syndrome, and it found that short bursts of walking can lead to improved information processing and attention after just eight weeks.
The role that exercise can play in cognitive growth represents a breakthrough in thinking about what's best for adults with Down syndrome, and there is evidence that people with Down syndrome do not typically meet the recommended levels of daily physical activity.
The new research involved 83 adult participants recruited following an international campaign by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, and was led by Dr Dan Gordon and Viviane Merzbach of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Approximately one in every thousand children is born with Down syndrome. It is associated with an atypical chromosome arrangement, which leads to some degree of intellectual disability and delays in motor skills and speech development.
The participants in the Mindsets study - 40 females and 43 males, aged between 18 and 48, from 10 countries - were assigned to one of four groups for an eight-week period.
Participants in an exercise-only group completed cardiorespiratory exercise, which involved walking three times a week for 30 minutes per session, while a second group took part in a series of cognitive and executive function exercises, provided by BrainHQ. A combined group did physical and cognitive exercises, while the fourth group did neither.
Participants were provided with a Fitbit to record steps completed, distances covered, speeds, and heart rate, and they logged their activity and communicated with the research team through a bespoke Mindsets app.
At the start and end of the eight-week period, all participants took physical and cognitive assessments. The positive effect of eight weeks of exercise on physical fitness was shown by significant increases in the total distance covered in a six-minute walk test, with the exercise-only and the combined groups improving by 11.4% and 9.9%, respectively.
The Sustained Attention to Response Test (SART) measures error rates during a cognitive activity. Researchers found a significant reduction in errors and an increase in correct responses in both the exercise-only and combined groups.
During the STROOP test, which measures the speed and accuracy of decision-making, researchers noted a significant improvement in the exercise-only group, the cognitive training group, and the combined group.
While walking is often a subconscious activity, the researchers noted that the activation of locomotive neural pathways through the process of walking drives cognitive development, as it necessitates people with Down syndrome to become more vigilant and pay attention to the task at hand.
Dr Dan Gordon, Associate Professor in Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology at Anglia Ruskin University and senior author of the study, said:
"Walking, and exercise in general, is not a natural activity for many people in the Down syndrome community, but this study shows walking is a powerful tool for developing cognitive and executive function."
"For most people, walking is a subconscious activity, but it still involves lots of information processing and decision-making. In our participants with Down syndrome, we think walking has the effect of activating locomotive pathways, driving cognitive development, and improving information processing, vigilance, and attention."
"These findings are potentially huge for the Down syndrome community, particularly as walking is a free activity in which most people can engage. Improved cognitive function can lead to increased societal integration and quality of life, which is important given this is the first generation of those with Down syndrome who will generally outlive their parents."
Dr Henry Mahncke of Posit Science, the maker of BrainHQ, said:
"These results remind us that every brain is plastic and capable of change. Even where there are differences that are genetic in origin, that doesn't mean that a brain can't change with exercise, whether physical or cognitive. We're excited to see these results and look forward to further research."
Laura LaChance, Executive Director of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS), said:
"The Mindsets study brings statistical evidence that exercise can provide multiple benefits to people with Down syndrome."
"The data collected will play a vital role in guiding CDSS's new Mindsets wellness program and improving the quality of life for people with Down syndrome throughout adulthood and aging."
Mindsets was funded by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and was supported by Posit Science and FCB Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)
How much exercise should adults with Down syndrome get?
General guidelines suggest at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week for adults, such as brisk walking, adapted to the person's health and fitness level.
Why are people with Down syndrome often less active?
Low muscle tone, joint looseness, heart conditions, lack of accessible programs and fewer chances to join sports can all reduce activity levels.
What is executive function?
Executive function is a set of mental skills, including planning, focusing attention, remembering instructions and switching between tasks, that help people manage daily life.
Does brain training work for people with Down syndrome?
In this study the brain training group improved on one decision-making test, but evidence that brain games improve everyday life is still limited.
Are people with Down syndrome at higher risk of Alzheimer's disease?
Yes, because chromosome 21 carries the gene for amyloid precursor protein, most people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer's changes by middle age, and many develop dementia.
What is a six-minute walk test?
It measures how far a person can walk in six minutes on a flat surface and is a simple way to assess physical fitness and endurance.
How can walking be made more enjoyable for adults with Down syndrome?
Walking with friends or family, using step trackers, choosing interesting routes, setting small goals and joining walking groups can help keep motivation up.
What sports programs exist for people with Down syndrome?
Special Olympics, local adaptive sports clubs, dance and swimming programs and community recreation centers often offer inclusive activities.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has risen dramatically, from about 25 years in the early 1980s to around 60 today, which brings new attention to healthy aging, fitness and brain health in adulthood. This small study suggests that regular walking, something most people can do at no cost, may sharpen attention as well as stamina. It was an exploratory, eight-week trial, so longer and larger studies are needed to see whether the benefits last and whether they affect daily life and the high risk of Alzheimer's disease in this group. Families and support workers can start by building short, regular walks into weekly routines, ideally with a friend or group.*
Attribution/Source(s): This peer-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally issued as a press release by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and published on 29 Nov 2023. Last updated on 3 Nov 2026. This content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.
* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.